After enjoying a delicious lasagna dinner, my girls were anxious to begin opening all of the presents that were overflowing out from under the Christmas tree. I remember how excited Deb's three kids were many years ago. Now, they are teenagers and the excitement is a little more toned-down. But before we could open gifts, I wanted to be sure to get at least one quick family photo. And we had success!
One of Santa's little helpers:
Another one of Santa's helpers:
Sophia got her own little baby doll from Grandma and Grandpa ... and it was one of the highlights of her whole Christmas. Sophia's maternal instinct is so strong and she definitely has a soft-spot for a baby doll.
At any given time during the course of the evening, Sophia could be found randomly feeding her baby:
Samantha received a new Michigan State sweatshirt from Aunt Deb and Uncle Dennis. Her other one was one of her most prized possessions and got to be too small. Sophia has now inherited it. I was insistent that it would be a nice gift for Aunt Deb to get her and Aunt Deb was a little leary of the idea, thinking that Sam wouldn't get that excited about it. Well, she was wrong! I know my girl pretty well, and she squealed when she opened it and then proceeded to take her dress off and wear just the sweatshirt with her tights for the rest of the evening.
Steve received the CUTEST six pack of "man pop" from his sister. She made each of the bottles into reindeer.
Goofing around with her Daddy:
Sophia received her very own backpack from Aunt Deb and Uncle Dennis. Sam has a mouse one and Sophia has wanted one of her very own ever since Sam started school this Fall. She wore her new ladybug backpack around for most of the night.
After the presents were unwrapped and packed away in laundry baskets for transportation, we indulged in some desserts. Then we got the girls bundled up and headed home because we had a few more things to take care of there before bedtime.
The girls sprinkled their reindeer food on the front lawn and then came inside to open their traditional Christmas Eve presents from Steve and me. Every year, I wrap up a new pair of pajamas for the girls and they get to unwrap them and wear them to bed on Christmas Eve, and then of course, on Christmas morning.
Samantha, posing with her gingerbread nightgown:
And this little lady was starting to get tired. Afterall, it was two hours past her normal bedtime.
Opening her reindeer pajamas:
We then headed upstairs for a bedtime story -- 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Sophia was snuggled in bed (and probably happy to be there) while Samantha came back downstairs with us to set out her milk and cookies for Santa.
She helped hold the glass while Daddy poured the milk ...
... and then snuck a quick swig. I don't think that Santa minded one bit.
While I was getting her all tucked in bed, Steve did something a little sneaky -- he set her clock back exactly one hour. She is so accustomed to getting up at 7:00 am, and we wanted to allow her at least an extra hour of sleep. The truth is, it bought us about an extra 45 minutes. We'll take it. I was able to get my shower and make sure that everything was in place, and Steve got to sleep in for a little bit longer.
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